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October 19, 2016

The Most Comforting Sandwiches in the City Are in the Spotlight

Where to get your most favorite version of this well-loved food staple in Metro Manila.

by: Monette Atilano

SHARE this ARTICLE

There have been lots of speculations about the origin of the sandwich. Some say it’s named after the Earl of Sandwich, who ordered his meat be served between two pieces of bread. Others say it came from French farmers, while others claim that it started much earlier as a Jewish tradition.

Whatever the real score, we’re all just thankful this well-loved food staple came to be. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll probably find a variation of this favorite fare on the menu. Portable, comforting, and delicious, the best sandwiches in the city certainly deserve their own moment in the spotlight. Here are a few stores where you can find some of the best sandwiches to sink your teeth into.

Bon Banhmi

No list of the best sandwiches is complete without the Vietnamese banhmi. (Photo courtesy of Bon Banhmi)

Even if you’re not a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine, Bon Banhmi’s take on the traditional banhmi (Vietnamese sandwich) will quickly turn you into one. The secret is in the ingenious marriage between the western-inspired freshly baked crusty baguette and the eastern flavors of sautéed meat and vegetables it encases. Choose between pork, beef, chicken, or the traditional banhmi made with three types of ham and smothered with a secret pate and mayonnaise.

Don’t expect anything fancy when you go for a taste. This modest, street side store located in San Antonio Village, Makati City, is more of a “grab-and-go” type of establishment with no tables and chairs for diners. Nevertheless, their signature banhmi itself is more than enough reason to drop by.

Paul

The fresh tuna sandwich at Paul is an ideal choice for a quick but hearty lunch. (Photo courtesy of Paul)

“Great bread makes great sandwiches,” says the menu of this authentic French boulangerie and patisserie that opened in 2013 in Manila. Paul is an internationally renowned bakery, pastry shop, and restaurant that prides itself with a history that dates back to the late 1800’s. They have two branches in the country, both located in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

To make their extensive array of rustic, country-style breads, ingredients are flown in from France. Diners can choose from an assortment of open-faced savory sandwiches served warm or cold, a list of traditional sandwiches with crowd-pleasers such as roasted beef in warm viennoise with Emmental cheese, or a selection of their house specialty—versions of the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame in their signature Pan de Mie (soft, white bread).

The price tag is relatively steep as you’ll be shelling out anywhere from Php240 to Php395 per sandwich, but the elegant “Parisian tea salon” atmosphere somehow softens the blow to your wallet.

Pepi Cubano

Pepi Cubano’s take on the famed Cuban sandwich at their Makati shop. (Photo courtesy of Pepi Cubano)

If you’re looking to satisfy that craving for the ultimate Cubano sandwich—the gooey cheese and ham pressed sandwich that was all the rage after Hollywood movie “Chef” came out—then Pepi Cubano would be the closest thing to the real deal. Find it at Tropical Palms Condominium in Makati.

The undersized shop has been in operation since 2006, way before the foodie flick catapulted it to mainstream popularity, and their signature Cubano (priced at Php250) certainly doesn’t disappoint. The sandwich starts with a simple baguette, generously smothered with French butter. Then, the slow-roasted pork loin marinated in a secret sauce is added, along with ham, cheese, tangy mustard, and some pickles. The sandwich then goes into a press to flatten out an otherwise bulky sub.

Enjoy this with a round of sweet banana chips for a twist on the usual potato thins. Other bestsellers include the Pan De Verdura (veggies with mozzarella), for Php280, and the Tito Choripan (chorizo jamonado with chimichurri sauce), Php200.

Refinery

The grilled bacon and cheese sandwich at Refinery goes perfectly well with their chunky tomato soup. (Photo courtesy of Refinery)

To say that Refinery is a go-to place for some of the best sandwiches in town doesn’t take away from its equally impressive all-day breakfast dishes, pasta selection, and coffee concoctions. This modern yet cozy all-day restaurant has mastered the art of reimagining the grilled cheese into its many delicious permutations, such as the honey-and-basil grilled cheese and the tomato-and-pesto grilled cheese. For many, the grilled cheese with bacon steals the show, served the classic way with chunky, slow cooked tomato soup on the side. Each variation of this specialty sandwich is placed on a rustic wooden slab, already halved to show the melted mozzarella oozing out of the warm white bread.

You’ll be spending around Php265 to Php475 depending on your sandwich preference. The place fills up quickly so be ready to be seated outdoors during busy hours like brunch and dinner. Refinery has branches in Rockwell in Makati and Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan.

Mister Delicious

The hunt for a great Reuben sandwich is a hit-or-miss type of quest. Many shops may offer them but only a few really get it right. Leave it to Mister Delicious, an artisan food stall and deli in Century City Mall’s Hole in the Wall, to perfect the art of building a superlative Reuben with owner chef Jeremy Slagle at the helm. Famed for his cured and smoked meats, this culinary genius stacks on layers of tender Wagyu corned beef atop toasted rye bread, adds in heaps of sauerkraut, and throws in Emmental cheese to go with his homemade Russian dressing to make the sandwich.

You’ll get charged Php450 for an order of the classic Reuben, which comes with your choice of Camote chips, soup, or salad. The sandwich is best relished with a bottle of cold craft beer or ginger ale for an additional Php190 to Php250. Mister Delicious has a few seating options, if you want privacy or prefer the more comfortable leather couches. Make sure you get a good table before ordering.

Press Café

Everyone loves a good ol’ chicken sandwich to munch on any time of day. There’s something about its familiarity and simplicity that makes you crave for one. One such sandwich is the Chicken Melt (Php265) at Press Café, a not-so-secret casual dining establishment inside some branches of Fully Booked. Teeming with grilled chicken slices, pesto, capsicum, caramelized onions, and cream cheese, this sandwich packs in interesting flavors and wholesome ingredients. If you want an even healthier version, you can always go for the chicken roulade (Php275)—stuffed grilled chicken, veggie slices, and a drizzle of honey mustard and balsamic dressing. (It's being under “sandwiches” may be questionable but, hey, it’s worth the mention.)

Visit the place as a group or unwind with a book for some much needed alone time. The hearty chicken sandwich of Press Café is perfect to enjoy either way. You may find your way to the café by visiting one of the branches of Fully Booked in Power Plant Mall and Promenade.

This list of must-try sandwiches is in no way comprehensive, but it’s always good to know a few more stores that carry just the right bread-bound grub to satiate your appetite. Whether you’re in it for the convenience, the addictive taste, or the sheer diversity of these handheld wonders, you are very likely to find the sandwich that will make your trip to the restaurants well worth it.

Click the store names to see their exact addresses and contact numbers.

Photos are from the official websites and Facebook pages of featured establishments.

“I write because I breathe. And because I've always been better at it than math! Contributing articles to my favorite teen magazine got me started at 16...and I've been typing away since (whether for work or my own pleasure). When I'm not penning about wine for beginners or raving about a gastronomic experience, you'll most likely find me re-watching classic movies from my extensive DVD collection, going on a local adventure with my husband, or daydreaming.” - Monette

About Monette Atilano

“I write because I breathe. And because I've always been better at it than math! Contributing articles to my favorite teen magazine got me started at 16...and I've been typing away since (whether for work or my own pleasure). When I'm not penning about wine for beginners or raving about a gastronomic experience, you'll most likely find me re-watching classic movies from my extensive DVD collection, going on a local adventure with my husband, or daydreaming.” - Monette

Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of ShoppersGuide.com.ph (SG) are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, SG does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.

Name:

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Comment:

Note: ShoppersGuide reserves the right to delete offensive, derogatory or any comment that is not helpful to the SG readers and community.

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October 19, 2016

The Most Comforting Sandwiches in the City Are in the Spotlight

Where to get your most favorite version of this well-loved food staple in Metro Manila.

by: Monette Atilano

There have been lots of speculations about the origin of the sandwich. Some say it’s named after the Earl of Sandwich, who ordered his meat be served between two pieces of bread. Others say it came from French farmers, while others claim that it started much earlier as a Jewish tradition.

Whatever the real score, we’re all just thankful this well-loved food staple came to be. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll probably find a variation of this favorite fare on the menu. Portable, comforting, and delicious, the best sandwiches in the city certainly deserve their own moment in the spotlight. Here are a few stores where you can find some of the best sandwiches to sink your teeth into.

Bon Banhmi

No list of the best sandwiches is complete without the Vietnamese banhmi. (Photo courtesy of Bon Banhmi)

Even if you’re not a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine, Bon Banhmi’s take on the traditional banhmi (Vietnamese sandwich) will quickly turn you into one. The secret is in the ingenious marriage between the western-inspired freshly baked crusty baguette and the eastern flavors of sautéed meat and vegetables it encases. Choose between pork, beef, chicken, or the traditional banhmi made with three types of ham and smothered with a secret pate and mayonnaise.

Don’t expect anything fancy when you go for a taste. This modest, street side store located in San Antonio Village, Makati City, is more of a “grab-and-go” type of establishment with no tables and chairs for diners. Nevertheless, their signature banhmi itself is more than enough reason to drop by.

Paul

The fresh tuna sandwich at Paul is an ideal choice for a quick but hearty lunch. (Photo courtesy of Paul)

“Great bread makes great sandwiches,” says the menu of this authentic French boulangerie and patisserie that opened in 2013 in Manila. Paul is an internationally renowned bakery, pastry shop, and restaurant that prides itself with a history that dates back to the late 1800’s. They have two branches in the country, both located in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

To make their extensive array of rustic, country-style breads, ingredients are flown in from France. Diners can choose from an assortment of open-faced savory sandwiches served warm or cold, a list of traditional sandwiches with crowd-pleasers such as roasted beef in warm viennoise with Emmental cheese, or a selection of their house specialty—versions of the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame in their signature Pan de Mie (soft, white bread).

The price tag is relatively steep as you’ll be shelling out anywhere from Php240 to Php395 per sandwich, but the elegant “Parisian tea salon” atmosphere somehow softens the blow to your wallet.

Pepi Cubano

Pepi Cubano’s take on the famed Cuban sandwich at their Makati shop. (Photo courtesy of Pepi Cubano)

If you’re looking to satisfy that craving for the ultimate Cubano sandwich—the gooey cheese and ham pressed sandwich that was all the rage after Hollywood movie “Chef” came out—then Pepi Cubano would be the closest thing to the real deal. Find it at Tropical Palms Condominium in Makati.

The undersized shop has been in operation since 2006, way before the foodie flick catapulted it to mainstream popularity, and their signature Cubano (priced at Php250) certainly doesn’t disappoint. The sandwich starts with a simple baguette, generously smothered with French butter. Then, the slow-roasted pork loin marinated in a secret sauce is added, along with ham, cheese, tangy mustard, and some pickles. The sandwich then goes into a press to flatten out an otherwise bulky sub.

Enjoy this with a round of sweet banana chips for a twist on the usual potato thins. Other bestsellers include the Pan De Verdura (veggies with mozzarella), for Php280, and the Tito Choripan (chorizo jamonado with chimichurri sauce), Php200.

Refinery

The grilled bacon and cheese sandwich at Refinery goes perfectly well with their chunky tomato soup. (Photo courtesy of Refinery)

To say that Refinery is a go-to place for some of the best sandwiches in town doesn’t take away from its equally impressive all-day breakfast dishes, pasta selection, and coffee concoctions. This modern yet cozy all-day restaurant has mastered the art of reimagining the grilled cheese into its many delicious permutations, such as the honey-and-basil grilled cheese and the tomato-and-pesto grilled cheese. For many, the grilled cheese with bacon steals the show, served the classic way with chunky, slow cooked tomato soup on the side. Each variation of this specialty sandwich is placed on a rustic wooden slab, already halved to show the melted mozzarella oozing out of the warm white bread.

You’ll be spending around Php265 to Php475 depending on your sandwich preference. The place fills up quickly so be ready to be seated outdoors during busy hours like brunch and dinner. Refinery has branches in Rockwell in Makati and Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan.

Mister Delicious

The hunt for a great Reuben sandwich is a hit-or-miss type of quest. Many shops may offer them but only a few really get it right. Leave it to Mister Delicious, an artisan food stall and deli in Century City Mall’s Hole in the Wall, to perfect the art of building a superlative Reuben with owner chef Jeremy Slagle at the helm. Famed for his cured and smoked meats, this culinary genius stacks on layers of tender Wagyu corned beef atop toasted rye bread, adds in heaps of sauerkraut, and throws in Emmental cheese to go with his homemade Russian dressing to make the sandwich.

You’ll get charged Php450 for an order of the classic Reuben, which comes with your choice of Camote chips, soup, or salad. The sandwich is best relished with a bottle of cold craft beer or ginger ale for an additional Php190 to Php250. Mister Delicious has a few seating options, if you want privacy or prefer the more comfortable leather couches. Make sure you get a good table before ordering.

Press Café

Everyone loves a good ol’ chicken sandwich to munch on any time of day. There’s something about its familiarity and simplicity that makes you crave for one. One such sandwich is the Chicken Melt (Php265) at Press Café, a not-so-secret casual dining establishment inside some branches of Fully Booked. Teeming with grilled chicken slices, pesto, capsicum, caramelized onions, and cream cheese, this sandwich packs in interesting flavors and wholesome ingredients. If you want an even healthier version, you can always go for the chicken roulade (Php275)—stuffed grilled chicken, veggie slices, and a drizzle of honey mustard and balsamic dressing. (It's being under “sandwiches” may be questionable but, hey, it’s worth the mention.)

Visit the place as a group or unwind with a book for some much needed alone time. The hearty chicken sandwich of Press Café is perfect to enjoy either way. You may find your way to the café by visiting one of the branches of Fully Booked in Power Plant Mall and Promenade.

This list of must-try sandwiches is in no way comprehensive, but it’s always good to know a few more stores that carry just the right bread-bound grub to satiate your appetite. Whether you’re in it for the convenience, the addictive taste, or the sheer diversity of these handheld wonders, you are very likely to find the sandwich that will make your trip to the restaurants well worth it.

Click the store names to see their exact addresses and contact numbers.

Photos are from the official websites and Facebook pages of featured establishments.

“I write because I breathe. And because I've always been better at it than math! Contributing articles to my favorite teen magazine got me started at 16...and I've been typing away since (whether for work or my own pleasure). When I'm not penning about wine for beginners or raving about a gastronomic experience, you'll most likely find me re-watching classic movies from my extensive DVD collection, going on a local adventure with my husband, or daydreaming.” - Monette

About Monette Atilano

“I write because I breathe. And because I've always been better at it than math! Contributing articles to my favorite teen magazine got me started at 16...and I've been typing away since (whether for work or my own pleasure). When I'm not penning about wine for beginners or raving about a gastronomic experience, you'll most likely find me re-watching classic movies from my extensive DVD collection, going on a local adventure with my husband, or daydreaming.” - Monette

Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of ShoppersGuide.com.ph (SG) are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, SG does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.

Name:

Email Address:

Comment:

Note: ShoppersGuide reserves the right to delete offensive, derogatory or any comment that is not helpful to the SG readers and community.

Sending feedback. Please wait...

Your comment has been sent.

Your comment is important to us. ShoppersGuide is now notified and will review the comment you sent.

October 19, 2016

The Most Comforting Sandwiches in the City Are in the Spotlight

Where to get your most favorite version of this well-loved food staple in Metro Manila.

by: Monette Atilano

SHARE this ARTICLE

There have been lots of speculations about the origin of the sandwich. Some say it’s named after the Earl of Sandwich, who ordered his meat be served between two pieces of bread. Others say it came from French farmers, while others claim that it started much earlier as a Jewish tradition.

Whatever the real score, we’re all just thankful this well-loved food staple came to be. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll probably find a variation of this favorite fare on the menu. Portable, comforting, and delicious, the best sandwiches in the city certainly deserve their own moment in the spotlight. Here are a few stores where you can find some of the best sandwiches to sink your teeth into.

Bon Banhmi

No list of the best sandwiches is complete without the Vietnamese banhmi. (Photo courtesy of Bon Banhmi)

Even if you’re not a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine, Bon Banhmi’s take on the traditional banhmi (Vietnamese sandwich) will quickly turn you into one. The secret is in the ingenious marriage between the western-inspired freshly baked crusty baguette and the eastern flavors of sautéed meat and vegetables it encases. Choose between pork, beef, chicken, or the traditional banhmi made with three types of ham and smothered with a secret pate and mayonnaise.

Don’t expect anything fancy when you go for a taste. This modest, street side store located in San Antonio Village, Makati City, is more of a “grab-and-go” type of establishment with no tables and chairs for diners. Nevertheless, their signature banhmi itself is more than enough reason to drop by.

Paul

The fresh tuna sandwich at Paul is an ideal choice for a quick but hearty lunch. (Photo courtesy of Paul)

“Great bread makes great sandwiches,” says the menu of this authentic French boulangerie and patisserie that opened in 2013 in Manila. Paul is an internationally renowned bakery, pastry shop, and restaurant that prides itself with a history that dates back to the late 1800’s. They have two branches in the country, both located in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

To make their extensive array of rustic, country-style breads, ingredients are flown in from France. Diners can choose from an assortment of open-faced savory sandwiches served warm or cold, a list of traditional sandwiches with crowd-pleasers such as roasted beef in warm viennoise with Emmental cheese, or a selection of their house specialty—versions of the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame in their signature Pan de Mie (soft, white bread).

The price tag is relatively steep as you’ll be shelling out anywhere from Php240 to Php395 per sandwich, but the elegant “Parisian tea salon” atmosphere somehow softens the blow to your wallet.

Pepi Cubano

Pepi Cubano’s take on the famed Cuban sandwich at their Makati shop. (Photo courtesy of Pepi Cubano)

If you’re looking to satisfy that craving for the ultimate Cubano sandwich—the gooey cheese and ham pressed sandwich that was all the rage after Hollywood movie “Chef” came out—then Pepi Cubano would be the closest thing to the real deal. Find it at Tropical Palms Condominium in Makati.

The undersized shop has been in operation since 2006, way before the foodie flick catapulted it to mainstream popularity, and their signature Cubano (priced at Php250) certainly doesn’t disappoint. The sandwich starts with a simple baguette, generously smothered with French butter. Then, the slow-roasted pork loin marinated in a secret sauce is added, along with ham, cheese, tangy mustard, and some pickles. The sandwich then goes into a press to flatten out an otherwise bulky sub.

Enjoy this with a round of sweet banana chips for a twist on the usual potato thins. Other bestsellers include the Pan De Verdura (veggies with mozzarella), for Php280, and the Tito Choripan (chorizo jamonado with chimichurri sauce), Php200.

Refinery

The grilled bacon and cheese sandwich at Refinery goes perfectly well with their chunky tomato soup. (Photo courtesy of Refinery)

To say that Refinery is a go-to place for some of the best sandwiches in town doesn’t take away from its equally impressive all-day breakfast dishes, pasta selection, and coffee concoctions. This modern yet cozy all-day restaurant has mastered the art of reimagining the grilled cheese into its many delicious permutations, such as the honey-and-basil grilled cheese and the tomato-and-pesto grilled cheese. For many, the grilled cheese with bacon steals the show, served the classic way with chunky, slow cooked tomato soup on the side. Each variation of this specialty sandwich is placed on a rustic wooden slab, already halved to show the melted mozzarella oozing out of the warm white bread.

You’ll be spending around Php265 to Php475 depending on your sandwich preference. The place fills up quickly so be ready to be seated outdoors during busy hours like brunch and dinner. Refinery has branches in Rockwell in Makati and Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan.

Mister Delicious

The hunt for a great Reuben sandwich is a hit-or-miss type of quest. Many shops may offer them but only a few really get it right. Leave it to Mister Delicious, an artisan food stall and deli in Century City Mall’s Hole in the Wall, to perfect the art of building a superlative Reuben with owner chef Jeremy Slagle at the helm. Famed for his cured and smoked meats, this culinary genius stacks on layers of tender Wagyu corned beef atop toasted rye bread, adds in heaps of sauerkraut, and throws in Emmental cheese to go with his homemade Russian dressing to make the sandwich.

You’ll get charged Php450 for an order of the classic Reuben, which comes with your choice of Camote chips, soup, or salad. The sandwich is best relished with a bottle of cold craft beer or ginger ale for an additional Php190 to Php250. Mister Delicious has a few seating options, if you want privacy or prefer the more comfortable leather couches. Make sure you get a good table before ordering.

Press Café

Everyone loves a good ol’ chicken sandwich to munch on any time of day. There’s something about its familiarity and simplicity that makes you crave for one. One such sandwich is the Chicken Melt (Php265) at Press Café, a not-so-secret casual dining establishment inside some branches of Fully Booked. Teeming with grilled chicken slices, pesto, capsicum, caramelized onions, and cream cheese, this sandwich packs in interesting flavors and wholesome ingredients. If you want an even healthier version, you can always go for the chicken roulade (Php275)—stuffed grilled chicken, veggie slices, and a drizzle of honey mustard and balsamic dressing. (It's being under “sandwiches” may be questionable but, hey, it’s worth the mention.)

Visit the place as a group or unwind with a book for some much needed alone time. The hearty chicken sandwich of Press Café is perfect to enjoy either way. You may find your way to the café by visiting one of the branches of Fully Booked in Power Plant Mall and Promenade.

This list of must-try sandwiches is in no way comprehensive, but it’s always good to know a few more stores that carry just the right bread-bound grub to satiate your appetite. Whether you’re in it for the convenience, the addictive taste, or the sheer diversity of these handheld wonders, you are very likely to find the sandwich that will make your trip to the restaurants well worth it.

Click the store names to see their exact addresses and contact numbers.

Photos are from the official websites and Facebook pages of featured establishments.

“I write because I breathe. And because I've always been better at it than math! Contributing articles to my favorite teen magazine got me started at 16...and I've been typing away since (whether for work or my own pleasure). When I'm not penning about wine for beginners or raving about a gastronomic experience, you'll most likely find me re-watching classic movies from my extensive DVD collection, going on a local adventure with my husband, or daydreaming.” - Monette

About Monette Atilano

“I write because I breathe. And because I've always been better at it than math! Contributing articles to my favorite teen magazine got me started at 16...and I've been typing away since (whether for work or my own pleasure). When I'm not penning about wine for beginners or raving about a gastronomic experience, you'll most likely find me re-watching classic movies from my extensive DVD collection, going on a local adventure with my husband, or daydreaming.” - Monette

Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of ShoppersGuide.com.ph (SG) are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, SG does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.

Name:

Email Address:

Comment:

Note: ShoppersGuide reserves the right to delete offensive, derogatory or any comment that is not helpful to the SG readers and community.

Sending feedback. Please wait...

Your comment has been sent.

Your comment is important to us. ShoppersGuide is now notified and will review the comment you sent.

An error has occurred!

Sorry for the inconvenience. ShoppersGuide is currently fixing this.

October 19, 2016

The Most Comforting Sandwiches in the City Are in the Spotlight

Where to get your most favorite version of this well-loved food staple in Metro Manila.

by: Monette Atilano

There have been lots of speculations about the origin of the sandwich. Some say it’s named after the Earl of Sandwich, who ordered his meat be served between two pieces of bread. Others say it came from French farmers, while others claim that it started much earlier as a Jewish tradition.

Whatever the real score, we’re all just thankful this well-loved food staple came to be. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll probably find a variation of this favorite fare on the menu. Portable, comforting, and delicious, the best sandwiches in the city certainly deserve their own moment in the spotlight. Here are a few stores where you can find some of the best sandwiches to sink your teeth into.

Bon Banhmi

No list of the best sandwiches is complete without the Vietnamese banhmi. (Photo courtesy of Bon Banhmi)

Even if you’re not a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine, Bon Banhmi’s take on the traditional banhmi (Vietnamese sandwich) will quickly turn you into one. The secret is in the ingenious marriage between the western-inspired freshly baked crusty baguette and the eastern flavors of sautéed meat and vegetables it encases. Choose between pork, beef, chicken, or the traditional banhmi made with three types of ham and smothered with a secret pate and mayonnaise.

Don’t expect anything fancy when you go for a taste. This modest, street side store located in San Antonio Village, Makati City, is more of a “grab-and-go” type of establishment with no tables and chairs for diners. Nevertheless, their signature banhmi itself is more than enough reason to drop by.

Paul

The fresh tuna sandwich at Paul is an ideal choice for a quick but hearty lunch. (Photo courtesy of Paul)

“Great bread makes great sandwiches,” says the menu of this authentic French boulangerie and patisserie that opened in 2013 in Manila. Paul is an internationally renowned bakery, pastry shop, and restaurant that prides itself with a history that dates back to the late 1800’s. They have two branches in the country, both located in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

To make their extensive array of rustic, country-style breads, ingredients are flown in from France. Diners can choose from an assortment of open-faced savory sandwiches served warm or cold, a list of traditional sandwiches with crowd-pleasers such as roasted beef in warm viennoise with Emmental cheese, or a selection of their house specialty—versions of the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame in their signature Pan de Mie (soft, white bread).

The price tag is relatively steep as you’ll be shelling out anywhere from Php240 to Php395 per sandwich, but the elegant “Parisian tea salon” atmosphere somehow softens the blow to your wallet.

Pepi Cubano

Pepi Cubano’s take on the famed Cuban sandwich at their Makati shop. (Photo courtesy of Pepi Cubano)

If you’re looking to satisfy that craving for the ultimate Cubano sandwich—the gooey cheese and ham pressed sandwich that was all the rage after Hollywood movie “Chef” came out—then Pepi Cubano would be the closest thing to the real deal. Find it at Tropical Palms Condominium in Makati.

The undersized shop has been in operation since 2006, way before the foodie flick catapulted it to mainstream popularity, and their signature Cubano (priced at Php250) certainly doesn’t disappoint. The sandwich starts with a simple baguette, generously smothered with French butter. Then, the slow-roasted pork loin marinated in a secret sauce is added, along with ham, cheese, tangy mustard, and some pickles. The sandwich then goes into a press to flatten out an otherwise bulky sub.

Enjoy this with a round of sweet banana chips for a twist on the usual potato thins. Other bestsellers include the Pan De Verdura (veggies with mozzarella), for Php280, and the Tito Choripan (chorizo jamonado with chimichurri sauce), Php200.

Refinery

The grilled bacon and cheese sandwich at Refinery goes perfectly well with their chunky tomato soup. (Photo courtesy of Refinery)

To say that Refinery is a go-to place for some of the best sandwiches in town doesn’t take away from its equally impressive all-day breakfast dishes, pasta selection, and coffee concoctions. This modern yet cozy all-day restaurant has mastered the art of reimagining the grilled cheese into its many delicious permutations, such as the honey-and-basil grilled cheese and the tomato-and-pesto grilled cheese. For many, the grilled cheese with bacon steals the show, served the classic way with chunky, slow cooked tomato soup on the side. Each variation of this specialty sandwich is placed on a rustic wooden slab, already halved to show the melted mozzarella oozing out of the warm white bread.

You’ll be spending around Php265 to Php475 depending on your sandwich preference. The place fills up quickly so be ready to be seated outdoors during busy hours like brunch and dinner. Refinery has branches in Rockwell in Makati and Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan.

Mister Delicious

The hunt for a great Reuben sandwich is a hit-or-miss type of quest. Many shops may offer them but only a few really get it right. Leave it to Mister Delicious, an artisan food stall and deli in Century City Mall’s Hole in the Wall, to perfect the art of building a superlative Reuben with owner chef Jeremy Slagle at the helm. Famed for his cured and smoked meats, this culinary genius stacks on layers of tender Wagyu corned beef atop toasted rye bread, adds in heaps of sauerkraut, and throws in Emmental cheese to go with his homemade Russian dressing to make the sandwich.

You’ll get charged Php450 for an order of the classic Reuben, which comes with your choice of Camote chips, soup, or salad. The sandwich is best relished with a bottle of cold craft beer or ginger ale for an additional Php190 to Php250. Mister Delicious has a few seating options, if you want privacy or prefer the more comfortable leather couches. Make sure you get a good table before ordering.

Press Café

Everyone loves a good ol’ chicken sandwich to munch on any time of day. There’s something about its familiarity and simplicity that makes you crave for one. One such sandwich is the Chicken Melt (Php265) at Press Café, a not-so-secret casual dining establishment inside some branches of Fully Booked. Teeming with grilled chicken slices, pesto, capsicum, caramelized onions, and cream cheese, this sandwich packs in interesting flavors and wholesome ingredients. If you want an even healthier version, you can always go for the chicken roulade (Php275)—stuffed grilled chicken, veggie slices, and a drizzle of honey mustard and balsamic dressing. (It's being under “sandwiches” may be questionable but, hey, it’s worth the mention.)

Visit the place as a group or unwind with a book for some much needed alone time. The hearty chicken sandwich of Press Café is perfect to enjoy either way. You may find your way to the café by visiting one of the branches of Fully Booked in Power Plant Mall and Promenade.

This list of must-try sandwiches is in no way comprehensive, but it’s always good to know a few more stores that carry just the right bread-bound grub to satiate your appetite. Whether you’re in it for the convenience, the addictive taste, or the sheer diversity of these handheld wonders, you are very likely to find the sandwich that will make your trip to the restaurants well worth it.

Click the store names to see their exact addresses and contact numbers.

Photos are from the official websites and Facebook pages of featured establishments.

“I write because I breathe. And because I've always been better at it than math! Contributing articles to my favorite teen magazine got me started at 16...and I've been typing away since (whether for work or my own pleasure). When I'm not penning about wine for beginners or raving about a gastronomic experience, you'll most likely find me re-watching classic movies from my extensive DVD collection, going on a local adventure with my husband, or daydreaming.” - Monette

About Monette Atilano

“I write because I breathe. And because I've always been better at it than math! Contributing articles to my favorite teen magazine got me started at 16...and I've been typing away since (whether for work or my own pleasure). When I'm not penning about wine for beginners or raving about a gastronomic experience, you'll most likely find me re-watching classic movies from my extensive DVD collection, going on a local adventure with my husband, or daydreaming.” - Monette

Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of ShoppersGuide.com.ph (SG) are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, SG does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.

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